London Irish rugby training packs a punch with CWFC star Joseph Duffy

Duffy, a Donegal native based in London, fights at the Copper Box Arena in the Olympic Park on Saturday, November 15.Joseph Duffy (centre) at Hazelwood with London Irish players (L to R) Eamonn Sheridan, Tom Court, Jamie Hagan and Matt Parr.

(London, United Kingdom | Thursday, November 6, 2014) – London Irish’s preparations for Sunday’s game against Wasps packed a punch this week, when the players received a visit from top Irish mixed martial arts star Joseph Duffy.

An Irish exile himself, having been born in Donegal but based currently in London, Duffy is also getting ready for a crucial clash of his own.

The 26-year-old will be one of the star attractions when Cage Warriors Fighting Championship stages one of its biggest events to date at the Copper Box Arena in London’s Olympic Park on Saturday, November 15.

As Duffy puts the finishing touches to his training camp for his co-main event bout against Frenchman Julien Boussuge at Cage Warriors 74, he took time out to mix it up with some of the London Irish players during Tuesday’s session at Hazelwood.

It was a brief venture into the heavyweight division for the lightweight fighter, who went through some striking drills with an intrigued group of London Irish players that included Jamie Hagan, Eamonn Sheridan, Matt Parr and Grandslam-winning Ireland international Tom Court.

“It was great to come down and get an insight into what it’s like on a typical day for the London Irish lads,” said Duffy. “The training complex at Hazelwood is second-to-none and there’s clearly a great camaraderie and team spirit between the players.

“It’s always interesting to get a feel for how other professional athletes prepare to compete, especially in this case as I’d love to have been a professional rugby player if I hadn’t gotten into MMA.

“I used to play as a centre in school and was the team captain as well. I’m also a big Ireland and London Irish supporter, and I’m looking forward to getting out to the Madejski Stadium for the big game against Bath on November 22.

“I know a large group of the players are coming to support me in the Olympic Park the week before as well, so hopefully we’ll both be celebrating big wins over the next few weeks.”

Joseph Duffy imparts some of his MMA skills to Matt Parr at Hazelwood.

MMA has exploded in popularity recently, particularly in Ireland, thanks predominantly to the remarkable success of former CWFC champion Conor McGregor, who is currently regarded as one of the hottest properties in the sport.

Duffy is no stranger to McGregor either. The last time McGregor tasted defeat was in November 2010, when Duffy submitted his fellow Irishman after just 38 seconds of their bout at Cage Warriors 39.

Following an injury lay-off, Duffy embarked on a two-year stint as a professional boxer, during which he remained undefeated in seven bouts. But the Irishman returned to MMA earlier this year, and a win in London next week will move him one step closer to the summit.

“We really enjoyed having Joe down at Hazelwood,” said London Irish prop Matt Parr, who was more eager than his Exiles team-mates to don a pair of the famous yellow Cage Warriors gloves.

“He’s a top bloke and his skills are really impressive. But there’s no way in the world you’d get me in there. I don’t mind taking a punch but I don’t fancy having my elbow twisted!

“It looks like Joe will go on to achieve a lot in the sport, he’s very talented. We wish him the best of luck in his big fight next week, and I’m looking forward to watching it.”

Tickets for Cage Warriors 74 in London on November 15 are still available, priced from just £25 (plus booking fee). To avail of a 20% discount, click HERE and enter voucher code LONDON20.

London Irish return to home action with a massive Aviva Premiership game against Bath at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, November 22. Click HERE to purchase tickets online, or phone 0118 968 1016.

CAGE WARRIORS FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP is Europe’s leading and longest-running mixed martial arts promotion. An Irish-owned brand with offices in the UK, Ireland and Jordan, CWFC is the sport’s fastest-growing organisation, having staged 80 events in 12 countries across three different continents since its establishment in 2002. Home to some of biggest stars of MMA’s past, present and future, Cage Warriors’ broadcast footprint spans 140 million homes worldwide via a network of partners that includes Channel 4, FOX Sports, ESPN, Viasat and Setanta Sports.